"The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them" (Isaiah 11:6)

​      This passage of Scripture from Isaiah 11 was chosen by the worship team for this upcoming Sunday of the Blessing of Pets.  It is one verse of a prophecy of the Messianic Kingdom, Isaiah 11:1-9.  We will be reading verses 6 - 9 this Sunday, as it includes a list of animals that are living in a peaceful and non-violent environment, "and a little child shall lead them".  
     As one commentary summarized, "Isaiah 11:1-9 describes a future kingdom where a new leader will bring justice, peace and harmony to the world."
 
     As I looked at this passage of Scripture today (Monday, 11/4), it struck me how fitting these words are for us at RLC, in three ways:
 
1)  As we bless our pets this Sunday, so God has created all animals and placed humanity to take care of them, and to be blessed by them.
 
2) As RLC looks forward to a new pastor and the ministry they will do together.  And as we pray for a peaceful ministry together that will lead toward God's kingdom of justice and harmony in the world.
 
3) As we seek a peaceful transition in the leadership of our nation, leading to justice, peace and harmony for all the world.
 
      Let me say again, this passage of Isaiah 11 was chosen for the Pet Blessing.  I was NOT thinking of it being the Sunday after the congregational meeting to call Pastor Matt.  Nor was I thinking about it being after the national elections.  But God is blessing us with this wonderful picture of a peaceful kingdom, even as we look toward a peaceful and healthy transition of ministry at RLC, and for our government and nation.  
 
    By this Sunday, we will have our pets (or maybe a few of you will be planning to adopt one soon).  We will have heard the news of Pastor Matt's acceptance of the call to be our new pastor.  And we will have finished the elections for our government and nation.  
 
    So now what can we do?   And of course the answer includes many things, from taking good care of our pets and all of God's creation, to working together at RLC with Pastor Matt, to serving as good citizens of our nation.  
   But before and throughout all of the above, God calls on each and every one of us to pray:
 
"First of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity."  (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
 
So I join you in praying for this world, for all of God's creation (including my Daisy and your....), for our nation and leaders, and for our pastors and congregations!
 
God is with us,
 
Pastor Steve,